More than 18 million women - one out of every seven - live in poverty. And nearly 8.2 million women live in extreme poverty (less than half the federal poverty level). (National Women’s Law Center, 2014)

The Liz Prine Fund

Elizabeth Erskine Prine

Elizabeth Erskine Prine served on the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh board and was one of the youngest women ever elected to YWCA's national board. The Liz Prine Fund was created in 1982 by family and friends following Liz's death at the age of 44 after an eight-month battle with cancer.

Liz Prine was known for her aggressive, hands-on approach to empowering women. She believed the YW should immerse itself in the economic, racial and social problems that deprive women – young and old – from sharing in life’s opportunities. The Liz Prine Fund honors the memory of a real woman committed to making real differences in the lives of other women.

How does The Liz Prine Fund work?

The Liz Prine Fund makes one-time grants of up to $500 to women who have nowhere else to turn… women like Audra, a single parent of three trying to juggle unauthorized expenses on her bank account, shut-off notices from her utilities, and keeping a roof over her family's heads. An agency referred Audra to the YW and The Liz Prine Fund. Audra has since been able to resolve payments with the utilities and get back on her feet -- and is now working on putting her middle child through college!

Audra is one of many who find hope and help making ends meet through The Liz Prine Fund. If you or someone you know might benefit from The Liz Prine Fund, please email or phone us (412-255-1488) for further information.